ROTTERDAM, N.Y. - One student complains because his cafeteria no longer serves chicken nuggets. Another gripes that her school lunch just isn't filling...

Providing a healthy food environment is good for kids of every age so they can meet their potential and be the best they can be. Policies on food in schools vary between jurisdictions, from province to province. It's helpful for parents to become aware of these policies as they pertain to their children. While some schools have more balanced food guidelines, other schools are much more strict and create an environment devoid of favourite treats.

Strict food policies don't work

In schools with extreme food policies, I anecdotally hear about teachers catching children scarfing down bags of Doritos in the washroom stalls. If this is common, it is a troubling observation. Extreme food guidelines fuel the very unhealthy eating habits they intend to discourage. Once a child develops unhealthy eating habits, it becomes a much more difficult problem to fix later on.

Actively involve yourself in food policy decisions at school

A purist approach of removing sugar and fat laden food might make administrators feel better about their food policies. Yet this can make kids prone to indulging in junk food more often. Find out what food policies your kids' school has in place and become part of the decision making process. Advocate for a balanced and reasonable approach to your child's nutrition.

Some schools involve students in the decision making process. This inclusive approach allows for better flexibility and choice in a school's food guidelines. If this is the case for your child's school, encourage your child to join in the decision-making process.

Encourage your kids to eat healthy at home

While it is important your child develops healthy eating habits at school, don't forget to be a role model at home. Eat a balanced, healthy diet and encourage your kids to do the same.

Take the all-foods-fit approach

Talk about food and moderation with your kids. This 'all-foods-fit' approach allows you to work in treats and enjoy them a few times a week, guilt free. An environment strangely devoid of a child's favourite foods or treats sends the message that these foods are "bad". Consequently, kids feel they are bad when they consume it. This creates a slippery slope in the wrong direction. Children also find these foods more enticing and overindulge, causing them to develop a negative relationship with food. But when they know 'all-foods-fit', they develop a healthy relationship with food. Talk openly about food and moderation with your family. Work in treats and enjoy them a few times a week, guilt free.

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